Dinosaurs & Prehistory - Dinosaurs - Therizinosaurus - Theropods - Cretaceous
Despite its huge claws, what did Therizinosaurus probably feed on primarily?
Correct!
Therizinosaurus cheloniformis initially looked like a dangerous predatory dinosaur with its enormous claws. In fact, it was a theropod, but therizinosaurs show particularly clear anatomical adaptations to a plant-based diet. The Natural History Museum lists Therizinosaurus as a herbivore. Therizinosaurus was about 10 meters long, walked on two legs and lived around 70 million years ago in what is now Mongolia. He had three fingers with exceptionally large claws on each hand. These claws are among the most spectacular weapon-like looking structures among dinosaurs. The preserved bony claws could be more than half a meter long. Their exact function has not been conclusively clarified; Among other things, the cultivation of vegetation and defense are discussed. Studies of the shape of therizinosaur claws show that they may have served different functions within the group. It is precisely this contrast that makes Therizinosaurus extraordinary: a huge theropod with huge claws that primarily ate plants.
Despite its huge claws, Therizinosaurus was probably predominantly a herbivore. The claws may have helped in pulling vegetation or for defense.
